Jacob Henry Hall
1855 - 1941
Biography
Jacob Henry Hall (1855–1941) was an American hymn writer, composer, teacher, and songbook compiler associated with the musical culture of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Born near Harrisonburg, Virginia, on January 2, 1855, he attended singing schools as a boy under Timothy Funk and taught himself to play hymn tunes, gospel songs, and anthems on the organ.
Hall later studied music theory, harmony, and composition and in 1877 attended a normal music school in New Market, Virginia. His career combined teaching, composing, editing, and the practical training of church musicians. Hymnary authority records preserve numerous texts and tunes under his name, reflecting work in both words and music rather than a single specialized role.
Hall's output belongs to the broad American tradition of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century congregational song, when normal schools and local singing conventions played an important part in church-music education. He died on December 22, 1941, and was buried in Dayton, Virginia.
Hall later studied music theory, harmony, and composition and in 1877 attended a normal music school in New Market, Virginia. His career combined teaching, composing, editing, and the practical training of church musicians. Hymnary authority records preserve numerous texts and tunes under his name, reflecting work in both words and music rather than a single specialized role.
Hall's output belongs to the broad American tradition of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century congregational song, when normal schools and local singing conventions played an important part in church-music education. He died on December 22, 1941, and was buried in Dayton, Virginia.
Hymns by Jacob Henry Hall
Savior, Breathe an Evening Blessing
Role: Composer